BankNewport first female CEO starts job

NEWPORT – It’s official. Sandra J. Pattie is the new president and CEO of OceanPoint Financial Partners, MHC and BankNewport as of Jan. 1. Pattie replaces Thomas W. Kelly who formally retired on Dec. 31. She becomes the first female CEO of the 193-year old mutual bank.

“Sandy represents an exciting new chapter in the history of BankNewport,” said board chair J. Timothy O'Reilly in a news release. “She's played a significant role in the growth and financial security of this bank during her 27-year tenure and she's the right leader for this organization on its growth trajectory.”

“It will be a privilege for me to lead our talented team,” Pattie said. “Together, we've weathered a difficult economy and continued to grow while remaining focused on our commitment to customers, employees and on the communities where we work and live. I look forward to building upon the forward momentum that we've established.”

With more than 35 years in the banking industry, Pattie began her career at BankNewport in 1984 as a loan officer in the consumer lending department. Most recently, she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer, a position that she has held since May 2002.

In her new position, Pattie will oversee the 193-year old mutual bank that has 13 branches in 11 Rhode Island communities and employs 269 people in its commercial lending, retail banking, mortgage and insurance divisions.

Pattie is a graduate of Community College of Rhode Island, Providence College, the University of Wisconsin’s School for Bank Administration and the College of Financial Planning at Northeastern University. She is also a certified financial planner.

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